Non-slip article of manufacture and process for making same

ABSTRACT

Forming an uncured rubber-like matrix, adapted to be aeration cured, and having a pluralith of aluminum pieces and disconnected fiber material pieces irregularly positioned therein, and hermetically sealing that matrix mixture in a can for later formation of a non-slip flexible article in adhesive adherence to the surface to which applied and the bonding of the aluminum pieces therein, the adhesive and flexible characteristic of the matrix being assisted by the fiber material pieces.

United States Patent 11 1 Mitchell 1 NON-SLIP ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE ANDPROCESS FOR MAKING SAME [76] Inventor: Wilbur A. E. Mitchell, 1329-1 1thAve., Greeley, C010.

[22] Filed: Nov. 26, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 202,387

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No.829,869, June 3, -1969, Pat. No. 3,629,051, which is acontinuation-in-part of Ser. No. 730,181, May 17, 1968, Pat. No.3,573,155.

[52] US. Cl. 161/162, 36/32 R, 36/59 R, 161/168, 260/41.5 R, 260/762,260/37 M [51] Int. Cl. B32b 5/16, B42c 15/02 [58] Field of Search161/162, 168; 260/41.5 R; 36/32 R, 32 A, 59 R, 59 A, 59 B, 59 C, 59 D;106/38; 252/305 Apr. 9, 1974 3,361,679 1/1968 Pau1us 252/305 3,629,05112/1971 Mitchell 161/162 1,687,441 10/1928 Grosjean 36/59 B 2,084,7846/1937 Stahl 36/59 B 3,475,205 10/1969 Byers 260/41.5 R 1,507,844 9/1924Mason 36/59 B 1,428,356 9/1922 Brown 36/32 R 1,591,018 7/1926 Cutler36/59 B 2,336,388 12/1943 Beebe 161/243 Primary ExaminerGeorge F. LesmesAssistant ExaminerPaul J. Thibodeau [5 7 ABSTRACT Forming an uncuredrubber-like matrix, adapted to be aeration cured, and having a pluralithof aluminum pieces and disconnected fiber material pieces irregularly'positioned therein, and hermetically sealing that matrix mixture in acan for later formation of a nonslip flexible article in adhesiveadherence to the surface to which applied and the bonding of thealuminum pieces therein, the adhesive and flexible characteristic of thematrix being assisted by the fiber material pieces.

6 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures "ATENTEDAPR 91974 3302.951

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, "1 NON-SLIP ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE AND PROCESS FOR MAKING SAME Thisinvention is a continuation in part of my copending application, Ser.No. 829,869, filed June 3, 1969, issued as Pat. No. 3,629,051, which inturn was a continuation in part of then co-pending Ser. No. 730,181,filed May 17, I968, entitled Non-Slip Article of Manufacture and Processfor Making Same, now US. Pat. No. 3,573,155, and so is also acontinuation in part of applicants said prior application, Ser. No.730,181, filed May 17, 1968, entitled Non-slip Article of Manufacture,now issued as US. Pat. No. 3,573,155.-

This invention relates to non-slip surfaces, and particularly tonon-slip surfaces of an elastomeric character having aluminum grippingor non-slip particles embedded into the elastomer. While my inventionmay. be used for other types of non-slip surfaces, it will behereinafter' described in connection with a preferred use, that is, forFishermens footwear.

The portion of the term of the patent, to be granted on thisapplication, subsequent to Mar. 30, 1988, is,- therefore, herebydisclaimed.

Fishermen encounter severe problems in stream fishing particularly, whentheir boots or shoes become wet in wading the stream, of slipping on wetrocks, which, late in the summer, have a slime, moss or algae thereon.

It has been discovered that aluminum has an inherent characteristic ofbeing non-slip when wet. Aluminum plates have'been at times clamped ontothe sole of a boot, but they have been found to be cumbersome anddifficult to hold onto the soles.

' Applicant has heretofore perfected the use of a myriad of irregularwaste aluminum particle shavings or mill-cutting chips interspersed in aquantity ofelastomer or matrix, and wherein the aluminum chips areadhesively and/or mechanically bonded and held in place therein.Applicant has provided an elastomer on aeration to cure or finish into aresilient elastomeric state.

Pieces of aluminum larger than mill-cuttings have not heretofore beensuccessfully bonded to that type of an elastomer, as they have becomeloose and thus were lost on flexing of the elastomer.

Applicant has now perfected and used pieces of aluminum larger than millcuttings, including regularshaped pieces, in bonding them successfullyinto that type of a matrix by the addition of disconnected pieces of asynthetic fabric material as part of the filler of his elastomericmatrix, in combination with such larger pieces. Throughoutthis-application Applicant will generally refer to such fabric materialby their trade names, for convenience. He has discovered that theaddition, for example, of pieces of nylon fabric material in his matrix,in combination with such aluminum pieces therein, causes a definitebonding of those larger aluminum pieces in and to his matrix.

This invention comprises, inessence, the combination of an elastomericmatrix material of natural or artificial rubber, such as ofaneoprene'liquid solution capable of self-curing on exposure to theatmosphere,

having a quantity of various sizes or dimensions of aluminum particlesor pieces interspersed therein and having a quantity of disconnectedsynthetic fabric pieces also interspersed therein. The quantity andproportion of the aluminum pieces can vary from approximately '2 20 to60 percent by volume of the total resultant mass, and with the quantityof such synthetic as nylon pieces therein also varying, as may bedesired, from 5 to 40 percent by volume of the total resultant mass. Thefabric material is preferably inserted in the form of a multitude ofsmall disconnected pieces of approximately /2 to 3 inches over-all or inlength. Nylon yarn pieces of such length is preferably used. The exactresultant chemical action between the particles of nylon and thealuminum chips and the elastomeric matrix,which matrix is preferablyneoprene, is not fully understood. Applicant has discovered that thenylon particles in the matrix having the aluminum pieces therein greatlyimproves the product. The nylon does not become completely dissolved inthe matrix, but substantially retains its form in the finished curedproduct. There is a marvelous resultant chemical action caused by thealuminum and the nylon or synthetic pieces being in the matrix, as shownin the finished product.

By the addition to Applicants synthetic neoprene matrix, having aluminumpieces interspersed therein, of nylon fabric particles and whichnylon'particles are of any of a' group of synthetic long chain polymericamides with recurring amid groups. lnstead of nylon, poly- .ester, orlonor rayon can be used. By the addition of such fabric particles,applicant has thereby greatly improved the flexibility and strength ofhis matrix. The addition of nylon and such other disconnected pieces inand to the synthetic neoprene rubber, and which rubber is produced bythe polymerization of chloroprene, also produces a further chemicalreaction for the first time, as far as known, namely, a successful andstrong bond of the aluminum particles in and to that aluminumpieces-synthetic rubber combination matrix is produced on aerationcuring of the matrix. Also it has been discovered that the addition ofthose nylon pieces results in giving that matrix a much greater adhesivequality, adapting it to stick better to the surface to which the matrixis applied without having to add a cementing material. The use;ofdisconnected pieces of Dacron and Orlon, instead of Nylon, simularlyaccomplishes similar beneficial results, as Applicant is not to belimited to the use of pieces of one synthetic material, namely, nylon.

As a result of that bonding and adhesive characteristics, resulting fromthe insert of nylon fabric and other synthetic fibrous particles in thematrix, it is now possible to bond larger pieces of aluminum thanheretofore, as well as a myriad of small aluminum mill-cuttings,shavings or chips. Now different sizes and kind of pieces of aluminummay be successfully bonded in and to such a matrix, without limitationas to size, where the pieces are bendable, upwards to approximately 3inches in one direction. Non bendable pieces of aluminum can be used, inmy matrix, including regular shaped pieces, such as die-stampedconfigurations, having sizes ranging upwards of 1 /2 inches in onedirection and of any thickness within reason from one twohundredfifty-sixths of an inch-to three-eighths of an inch.

lnother words, by my invention it is now feasible to suitably bond mostany size pieces of aluminum pieces into an elastomeric matrix, and withthose pieces of eiadvantage of the natural inherent anti-slip propertiesof aluminum when wet, 'even on ice,-by having larger than mill-cuttingpieces of aluminum in such a matrix and finished product.

it is therefore an object of this invention to provide a novel andimproved anti-slip surface formed as a pad, sheet or layer, which willbe hereinafter generally referred. to as an anti-slip surface whichtakes advantage of the inherent properties of aluminum of resistance toslipping, with the structure of the anti-slip surface being formed in amanner which permits the same to be easily applied to the surface of thesole of a fishing boot or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improvedanti-slip surface for boots and the like of an elastomeric matrix, withthe aluminum pieces of the form, as in mill-cuttings, which are eitherinherently interlocked into the matrix, in an arrangement whicheffectively holds and retains the same while at the same time posing aneffective antislip outer surface, or are of a form larger thanmill-cuttings and without such inherent interlocking ability.

Another object of the invention is to provide, in a novel'and improvedanti-slip surface, the combining of aluminum particles in an elastomericmatrix, with said particles of a form which may be easily andeconomically obtained, such as machine cuttings normally con I sideredas a waste product, or other cuttings, as diestamped pieces. 7

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel and improvedanti-slip surface which can be made with any of anumber of easilyobtained elastomers, includ' ing natural rubber, without the need forspecial processes and apparatus to cure the elastomer to the resiliencydesired.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel and improvedelastomeric anti-slip surface by interblending aluminum pieces in anuncured or unfinished elastomer matrix which may be adapted forimmediate application or for finishing into a boot surface or set asidefor a substantial period of time, the same having a good shelf life forsubsequent use as desired.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved anti-slipsurfacev by combining an elastomer and pieces of disconnected syntheticfabric particles of such fibers as nylon, polyester, orlon and rayon,and v with aluminum pieces, wherein a chemical action-is obtainedbetween the aluminum pieces and the fabric particles and the elastomerto facilitate and inherently bond the aluminum particles therein andthereto and also to finish the elastomer into a dense body of selectedresilience without the addition of special oxides and the like'beingrequired in the final product.

The foregoing and other objects will be apparent from the followingdescription of the invention, setting forth the various processes,blends and combinations, and the selected steps, sequences andoperations, as hereinafterexplained in detail and set forth in theappended claims, and in the accompanying drawings diagrammaticallyillustrating, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an inverted boot showing my improved anti-slipsurface applied thereto as a sole or layer; and

H6. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 22 of P16. 1, lookingin the direction of the indicated arrows.

To provide an improved boot sole, 20, it is desirable to take advantageof the anti-slip property of aluminum. it was found that it is possibleto have larger pieces of aluminum, 30 and 50, interspersed and embeddedinto a rubber matrix, in order to have said nonslip characteristics ofthe aluminum in greater quantities, than the heretofore waste aluminummill shavings or cutting particles, because it is now possible by mynovel combining of disconnected pieces of a synthetic fabric material 40in the matrix having larger aluminum pieces therein to effect asufficient bond to hold such larger pieces of aluminum thereinQdespitethe continual distortion on flexing of the boot sole on use. It wasdiscovered that using certain synthetic fabric pieces or particles, suchas of nylon, in combination with an elastomeric matrix, such as of aneoprene adhesive having aluminum pieces therein, produces a strongbonding or holding of said aluminum particles as a part of the finishedproduct, in the cases of different sizes and shapes of aluminum pieces,even of regular and non-bendable configuration. It is, therefore, nowpossible to bond different size and kinds of pieces of aluminum in sucha matrix, reasonably without limitation, where the pieces 50 arebendable'ofjupwards of approximately 3 inches in length. Non-bendablepieces of aluminum 30 may be used in that matrix. Even regular shapedpieces, such as die-stamped configurations, 30, may be used, andnon-bendable other shaped pieces, and having sizes ranging upwards of 1/2 inches in one direction and of any thickness from one two hundredfifty-sixths of an inch to three-eighths of an inch.

The use'of a myriad quantity of fine aluminum shavings, from such asmill cuttings, 10, will be more successfully adhesively bonded as aresult of -the presence of the nylon fabric particles in the matrix,than previously.

The quantity or amount of aluminum pieces impreg-v nated into theelastomeric matrix may be varied considerably, or preferably from 20percent to percent by volume of the total resultant mass.

It was found that wherenatural rubber was used as the elastomer that theproportion of aluminum pieces to the elastomer, measured volumetrically,varies from a maximum of about 40 percent as the maximum amount of thepieces which could be put into the rubber, while the minimum amount tohave a non-slip surface is approximately lO percent of the totalcombined volume. lf an amount exceeding the maximum of 40 percent isused, the final product does not have adequate strength. If thepercentage of the articles in the mass' is less than 10 percent of thecombined volume, the anti-slip characteristic is significantlydiminshed. diminished.

Where a synthetic resin elastomer is used for the matrix, of a type suchas Neoprene, the volume of the particles may be substantially increasedto approximately asmuch as sixty percent of the combined volume,andproviding not less than 10 percent thereof. These percentages arerough approximations. The actual desired uncured or cutback with asolvent, so that it is capable of permitting the aluminum chips orpieces to be blended into the matrix formed thereof. Additionally, theelastomer must be capable of being cured or finished, as by vaporizationof the solvent, if of that type, or of oxidation if of another type, toa final condition wherein it is tough but flexible. The degree offlexibility of this cured product, with the aluminum pieces interspersedtherein, may vary considerably, but it is desirable to provide anelastomer which will flex when the product is affixed to a flexible bootsole. The range of curing can be from a moderately rigid member to onewhich is quite pliable, with the durometer of the cured impregnatedmaterial varying from to 80. It is to be noted that conventional fullycured hard rubber is generally somewhat too hard for use of the presentinvention.

By the term Durometer measurement is meant that well known Shore scalemeasurement of hardness or flexibility'of Applicants matrix. Suchmeasurement is made to determine the relative resistance of the surface,of the matrix to indentation by the indentor of the Shore A instrument,of specified dimensions under a specified load. Said Shore A instrument,so far as known, is widely used for measuring such hardness of rubberand is an accepted reliable standard scale test or measurementinstrument in the industry. Same is explained in the 1963 copyrightedbooklet of E. l. Du- Pont De Nemours and Company, Elastomer ChemicalsDepartment, of Wilmington, Deli, entitled The Language of Rubber. 1

A necessary characteristic of applicantselastomer resides in theproperty of being capable of being applied to the sole of a boot or shoewhile it is in a liquid or putty state and before its final cure orfinish, or if it is cured or finished as a pad it must be capable ofbeing applied to a shoe sole by anysuitable adhesive, and ca pable ofyielding with the shoe sole without being torn lose.

Elastomers which I have used, representative of the following examples,include, first, natural rubber which was obtained as a sheet of rawuncured such material, with one type being a natural raw uncured rubber,and a second type being a sheet of uncured rubber stock having lampblack therein and commonly known to the trade as tire retreadingcamel-back. Said natural rubbers used were by one method separatelyprepared by dissolving them in solvents, such as methyl ethyl ketone,into a semi-liquid state wherein the aluminum particles and nylon piecescould be mixed. The parti cles were interblended in that resultantnatural rubber semi-liquid mass.

Another type of elastomer used has been a synthetic Neoprene elastomer,and which elastomer was obtained as a Latex, commonly known to the tradeas the E. I. DuPont De Nemours Companys Neoprene Latex numbers 650, 635and 601a. These latter elastomer types are milk-like substances.

Another type of synthetic elastomer has been a polysulphide liquidpolymer, produced by Thiokol Chemical Corporation, and designated asThiokols LP-Z, of said corporation, being a comparatively thick viscouspolymer matrix, in its uncured form; produced in two components to bemixed together, with one component being a thick liquid and the other athick paste.

Another type of elastomer used was substantially a cured Neoprene whichhad been dissolved in some solvent, probably methyl ethyl ketone, as anadhesive, wherein the adhesive material was fluid enough to mix with thealuminum chips and synthetic fabric material pieces.

A further elastomer consisted of a Polyurethane dissolved in methylethyl ketone, which finished out after being mixed with nylon or othersynthetic material pieces and aluminum chips; all as hereinafter setforth more specifically in the following examples.

The following examples are given to assist in understanding myinvention, but I am notto be restricted by the specific materials orprocedures therein, as they are merely exemplary of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 About 3 pounds of 35 durometer uncured camelback sheet ofnatural rubber, of the type used in tire retreading, was dissolved incarbon disulphide, in approximately equal proportions, forming a thickgel. To this gel, by volume, one part of such aluminum pieces and onepart of disconnected nylon fabric particles was stir blended with aboutthree parts of the gel. That resultant mixture matrix gel was thenpoured into a sole shaped mold of the thickness of onefourth of an inch.There was a natural evaporation of the carbon disulphide occured and therubber in the mold was cured by placing the mold and contents in anelectric hot plate pressure machine at a temperature not exceeding 240and at a pressure on the mold contents of not exceeding 20 pounds forapproximately 8 minutes. The sole pad was allowed to remain in the moldfor approximately 8 minutes and was then removed. The durometer of thisfinal sole product was approximately 30. The final result was softerthan the original stock, but it was sufficiently strong'and coherent toform a sole which could be affixed as a sole to the bottom of a boot.

EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3 The same as example one, excepting a pressure ofonly approximately pounds was applied to the mold contents without anyapplication of heat. The sole was removed from the mold then and allowedto air cure for five days. time, when it was found to be of about 20durometer and sufficiently rigid to be secured to and used as the soleof a boot.

From the above examples, it is obvious that a technician skilled in therubber fabricating art can select such milled or suitable. otheraluminum pieces and nylon particles, interblend the quantities of thesame in the rubber, asby dissolving the rubber'into a gel or liquid andsubsequently curing the same into a selected comparatively softcondition of a boot sole, where the sole will bend over and in adherenceof the uneven contour of stones which the wearer steps upon. Throughsuch adherence, the aluminum surfaces of the pieces in the sole andexposed to the objects stepped on facilitate gripping that object andminimize the chances of the wearer slipping.

In the following examples the use of synthetic rubber is set forth.Synthetic resins having elastomeric properties and are commonly referredto as synthetic rubber.

EXAMPLE 4 The Polysulphide liquid polymer identified. as Thiokol LP2,manufactured by Thiokol Chemical Corporation, of Trenton, N..l.,provided as a two component material: the resin and the accelerator.According to recommended practice, 15 parts of resin to one part ofaccelerator, by weight, were blended together to produce a polysulphiderubber at room temperature. A

small batch of this material, approximately 6 fluid ounces, was mixedand prepared, aluminum particles and a quantity of disconnected nylonyarn pieces were immediately added to that blend matrix mixture beforethe accelerator began to act. The amount of those aluminum particles soadded was at least about 25 percent by volume and not over 40 percent byvolume compared to'the amount of that rubber mass. About l percent byvolume of nylon yarn pieces were added. That 'matrix, having aluminumparticle and nylon mixture,

blend was then substantially immediately spread-on applied to the soleof an inverted boot, as a thick matt,

and it adhered well to the surface of that boot sole andwas set inapproximately 30 minutes. It substantially completely air-cured inapproximately 4 hours, without any heat or pressure application at roomtemperature, resulting in a resilient and flexible non-slip surface ofabout 50 durometer having aluminum particlesimpregnated therein. In thisexample the setting occurs quite rapidly and for that reason it is notpractical to disperse more than about 40 percent of the aluminum andnylon particles by volume into that LPZ matrix rubber, A-subsequent testindicated that when 50 percent of such particles by volume was added tosuch an LP2 Thiokol mixture the final product did not have adequatestrength to serve the desired purpose and was too difficult to manage.

EXAMPLE 5 A solution of cured Neoprene rubber, of the type dissolved involatile substances as an adhesive, was next used. lt was of the typeobtained'commercially from the Roberts Company, of Monrovia, Calif,which merchandize's the material as a neoprene adhesive glue under thetrade name ,of Roberts Anchor Weld. Such Neoprene liquid rubber solutionwas mixed with approximately about: percent clay filler, 40 percentquantity of aluminum pieces, percent quantity of disconnected nylon yarnpieces, and 5 percent of spraytype Nylo" rubber cement, and that mixture.was then immediately hermatically air sealed in a can. When the can wasopened later and contents stir-mixed and then applied to the sole of aninverted boot, the matrix set in approximately. 10 minutes and the bootsole was aircured and ready for use in 48 hours. This method I found tobe a preferred one. This canned matrix may be kept for many monthsbefore being opened. In this instance I use relatively small pieces ofdisconnected nylon yarn, of the type and approximate diameter sizesuitable sole mold and was then allowed to set and cure atroom'temperature for about a day, when the mateof the strands as usedthereof in the making of nylon V small quantity of suitable clay fillerin the matrix along with the nylon and aluminum pieces, so that thefinal ,sole product was about 60 durometer. The new sole wassufficiently elastic, with the aluminum and nylon particles bonded inthe boot sole when in use and provided a strong and effective nonslipsole surface on that boot sole.

, EXAMPLE 6 Similar to the preceding Example 5, a volatile solution ofcured neoprene adhesive rubber, such as Roberts' Anchor Weld, was used.To that solution was approximately mixed: 10 percent of clay filler, 40percent of aluminum pieces and 15 percent of disconnected pieces ofabout 2 inch length fabric, and which fabric was percent synthetic rayonand 25 percent cotton yarn, and 10 percent-of relatively thinspray-rubbercement, and on such mixing of the material as a matrix itwas hermatically air sealed in a can. On opening the can later, thematrix was stirred and then applied to the ,sole of an inverted boot andit set rapidly in a matter that other fabric material, such as of hempor cotton fabric pieces could be used, instead of synthetic fabricpieces within the teaching of my invention.

EXAMPLE 7 An uncured neoprene latex, manufactured by E. l. DuPont DeNemours, l'nc., under the-trade name designation of Neoprene Latex 635,provided as an uncured milklike liquid, was used. Such aluminumparticles were mix-blended with this latex uncured liquid in about equalparts by volume. About 10 percent of volume of an anti-oxidant wasadded, and about 15 percent of volume of a clay filler was added to themixture to provide body. To the mixture I added a small quantity: ofabout 10 percent of volume of nylon fabric pieces to provide a strongerbody without interfering with flexibility. That blend mixture was pouredinto a rial was set in the mold into its form, and then it was removedfrom the mold and after 2 more days total room temperature curing periodthe curing was completed to the final product of about 60 durometer. Theproduct so formed was then a good anti-slip surface or pad capable ofeasily being cemented or attached as a sole to the sole of a boot. Thetype and amount of clay tiller and nylon pieces used could be varied,such as increased, to have a quicker curing and better flexibility,among others. i 5

In the use of neoprene the use of consistently larger quantities ofaluminum chips can be interblended into the mix, as compared with amatrix mix of natural rubber heretofore disclosed.

EXAMPLE 8 Neoprene Latex No. 601a of said DuPont Company, was used, asin Example 7, in equal proportion of aluminum pieces and a smallquantity of nylon pieces were added, with some clay and an anti-oxident.That mixture was immediately spread-applied directly to the invertedprior rubber cemented sole surface of a rubber boot. That neoprenemixture on such application was permitted to oxidize in the air, and itwas discovered that the cure was comparatively rapid, and a blendedresultant mass thereof was formed approximately fiveeighths of an inchthick on the inverted boot sole surface, indicated as of FIG. 1. Thematerial was set in four hours and was fully oxidized or air cured atabout 50 durometer hardness in approximately 72 hours, in the form of myflexible anti-slip aluminum impregnated surface ready for use as thesole of the boot.

In the development of the invention, as set forth in the foregoingexamples, it became apparent that some form of Neoprene would be thepreferred type of elastomer. Investigations were made as to the mannerin which the neoprene aluminum-nylon blend would cure, on aeration atroom temperature, from the unpolymerized state in the milk-like 601a,635 and 650 elastomers and from the dissolved neoprene rubber adhesivetype of elastomer, such as the Anchor-Weld type. It appears that theusual curing agents for neoprene are metal oxides, and that such curingagents are available for the purpose. However, it was discovered that,in working with the Latex Neoprene, that oxides, in the form of thinoxide coatings on the aluminum pieces, were sufficient to effect thecure without the addition of the commercial curing agents, when theneoprene latex, nylon pieces and aluminum pieces mixed mass was exposedto the air. This was even more so when a cured Neoprene adhesive, asAnchor-Weld, was used.

EXAMPLE 9 The same as example seven, except that the latex used was saidDuPonts milk-like uncured latex number 650, a neoprene latex similar tothe latex 635 of Example 7, excepting, insofar as the test wasconcerned, the viscosity of the No. 650 material was much higher and sothe blend was easier to handle and spread; and, also, use of the No. 650material with the aluminum pieces and nylon pieces blend oxidizedfaster, requiring less, time to get the desired completely curedsubstantially similar product, in about one-half the time as that setforth in example seven. I also spread this blend directly onto a rubberpre-cemented sole of a boot where it air cured successfully into a 60durometer sole in days.-

From the foregoing examples and disclosure, it is apparent that suchaluminum pieces 10, 30 and 50 and nylon fabric pieces 40 can beinterblended with other types of synthetic elastomers which have thebasic properties suitable for the purpose at hand. It is known thatexcellent tough and elastic elastomers can be obtained from syntheticresins, such as polyurethane and Butyl rubber. Butyl rubber can bedissolved in a manner very similar to natural rubber, and it followsthat this material can also be mixed with the aluminum pieces and nylonpieces.

The addition of the disconnected pieces of synthetic fabric material, asexplained, such as nylon and orlon, produces a chemical reaction, whichis not fully understood by applicant, except, to say that said myriad ofdisconnected pieces, on mixture in the matrix and before aerationcuring, also become softened and are distributed throughout the matrixand they effect, by causing an increased flexibility, a stronger matrix,a better adhesive characteristic of the matrixfor application thereof toany surface, andalso effect a stronger and more effective bonding of thealuminum pieces in and to the matrix, as a result, than has beenaccomplished heretofore without the use of such synthetic piecesinterspersed in the matrix. The addition of the myriad of suchdisconnected synthetic fabric material pieces 40 to the matrixcombination, with the aluminum chips, is an indispensable part of saidmatrix combination and of the novelty of this invention.

I do not wish to be limited, in my matrix combinations, to the use ofnylon fabric pieces, as other synthetic fibers can be used instead andas well, such as Rayon, Dacron or Orlon fibers. Nylon, generally, is asynthetic fiber from any of a group of synthetic longchain polymericamides with recurring amide groups. Orlon, generally, is a syntheticacrylic fiber derived from a compound of hydrogen cyanide and acetelyne.Dacron, generally, is a polyester fiber of any of several polymericresins and it may similarly also be used in my' combinations. Rayon is asynthetic fiber made from pressing cellulose accetate or other cellulosesolution through small openings and solidifying it as filaments.

When the same quantity of Rayon, Dacron or Orlon yarn is used, in mymatrix, for example, instead 'of Nylon, in the foregoing examples,similar beneficial increased strength, bonding, flexibility andadhesiveness of the matrix results occur.

With relation to the chemical reaction of the fabric pieces, ofeitherNylon, orlon, dacron or rayon, as explained, and previously stated asnot fully understood, it should be mentioned that said chemical reactionaffects the undesireable oxide coating normally present on the unwashedaluminum pieces, which coating deters bonding rubber to the surface ofthe aluminum pieces;meaning, such chemical component reaction of thenylon pieces, for example, apparently causes a taking of that deterrentoxide coating into solution or socalled cleans that coating from thealuminum pieces, and also that chemical reaction effects or deposits asocalled aluminous film on the aluminum pieces resulting from the thusresultantly formed hydrolized solution. The U.S. Pat. to Beebe, No.2,336,388, explains the bonding of rubber to aluminum, by anextrapreparatory separate step; but by my novel use of such as Nylonfabric disconnected pieces, I accomplish that chemical reaction as apart of my novel one-step matrix composition mixture. As mentionedheretofore, my matrix is also made more adhesive and stronger and moreflexible by that same chemical reaction, than be-v fore without saidsynthetic pieces in the matrix. It should be understood that there arealso other synthetic material pieces that could be used within theteaching of my invention, for those purposes, in addition to the ones Ihave mentioned, to accomplish the purposes heretofore explained.

It will be'apparent that many changes and modifications can bemade'within the teaching of the hereinbefore disclosed invention, suchas by the use of hemp, or cotton fabric pieces instead of the syntheticpieces mentioned, and, therefore, I wish to be bound only by thehereunto appended claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by letters Patent:

1. A dough-rubber-like uncured matrix, adapted to be hermaticallyair-sealed in a-can and to be aeration cured as a flexible non-slip soleproduct on can open- ,1 1 ing, and having, in combination therewith, amyriad of aluminum pieces each of a dimension of less than 3 inches inone direction and a thickness from one two hundred fifty-sixths of aninch to three-eighths of an inch, and of disconnected fiber materialpieces of the class of polyamide, polyester, acrylic or celluloseacetate interspersed therein, whereby said fiber material pieces assistthe matrix, or opening of the can and aeration curing of the matrix intoa rubber'like sole product of from to 80 durometer hardness, inenhancing the strength, flexibility and adhesive qualities of the matrixand also assist in effecting'a bonding of the aluminum pieces in and asa part of the matrix on that curing,

2. A dough-rubber-like canned'matrix combination as defined in precedingclaim 1 and characterized further by the matrix being of a syntheticrubber, and the fiber material pieces being of one or the other of saidsynthetic fiber material, and with the aluminum pieces being from 20 to60 percent by volume of the total resultant mass.

3. A non-slip foot wear 20 to 80 durometer rubberlike product comprisingin combination, a flexible cured rubber-like matrix having a pluralityof bendable aluminum pieces bonded therein and a plurality ofdisconnected pieces of fiber material of either polyamide, polyester,acrylic, cellulose acetate, hemp or cotton all being irregularlyinterspersed and bonded therein, with said fiber material piecesassisting in the bonding ofthe sixths of an inch to three-eighths of aninch and the matrix also having a plurality of disconnected irregularlyinterspersed individual facric material pieces therein of eitherpolyamide, polyester, acrylic, cellulose acetate, hemp or cotton andeach less than three inches long and with said fabric pieces being lessthan 50 percent by volume of the matrix and which includes the steps of:

a. Mixing and Dispersing said aluminum pieces and said fabric piecesthroughout the matrix; I

b. hermatically'sealing the matrix in a can for later article formationuse; and Y c. Upon later opening of the canned matrix and said thenforming it into the article and then aeration curing the matrix toproduce the article of such durometer hardness.

5. In a non-slip rubber-like 20 to 80 durometer foot wear product,'incombination, a rubber-like matrix and a plurality of bendable irregularshaped aluminum pieces bonded therein, each of said aluminum piecesbeing ofa dimension of less than-3 inches in one direction and of athickness greater thanone, two hundred fifty-sixths of an inch and saidaluminum pieces being from 20 to 60 percent by volume of the total massproduct.

6. In a non-slip rubberlike- 20 to 80 durometer foot wear product, incombination, a rubber-like matrix and a plurality of die-stampedirregular and different size and shape rigid aluminum pieces bondedtherein, each being from 20 to 60'percent by volume of the total massproduct.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.- 3,02,951 Dated A ril 9, 1974 Inventor(s Wilbur A. E. Mitchell It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

The term of this patent subsequent to March 30, 1988 has been disclaimedSigned and Scaled this Sixteenth Day Of January I979 [SEAL] Attest:

DONALD W. BANNER RUTH C. MASON Attesting Officer 7 Commissioner of IParents and Trademarks

2. A dough-rubber-like canned matrix combination as defined in precedingclaim 1 and characterized further by the matrix being of a syntheticrubber, and the fiber material pieces being of one or the other of saidsynthetic fiber material, and with the aluminum pieces being from 20 to60 percent by volume of the total resultant mass.
 3. A non-slip footwear 20 to 80 durometer rubber-like product comprising in combination, aflexible cured rubber-like matrix having a plurality of bendablealuminum pieces bonded therein and a plurality of disconnected pieces offiber material of either polyamide, polyester, acrylic, celluloseacetate, hemp or cotton all being irregularly interspersed and bondedtherein, with said fiber material pieces assisting in the bonding of thealuminum pieces in the matrix.
 4. The method of forming a flexiblenon-slip foot wear article, which comprises the use of an elastomericuncured rubber-like matrix adapted to be aeration cured to 20 to 80durometer and having a plurality therein of less than 60 percent byvolume of individual aluminum pieces each of a length of less than 3inches and of a thickness varying from one two hundred fifty-sixths ofan inch to three-eighths of an inch and the matrix also having aplurality of disconnected irregularly interspersed individual facricmaterial pieces therein of either polyamide, polyester, acrylic,cellulose acetate, hemp or cotton and each less than three inches longand with said fabric pieces being less than 50 percent by volume of thematrix and which includes the steps of: a. Mixing and Dispersing saidaluminum pieces and said fabric pieces throughout the matrix; b.hermatically sealing the matrix in a can for later article formationuse; and c. Upon later opening of the canned matrix and said thenforming it into the article and then aeration curing the matrix toproduce the article of such durometer hardness.
 5. In a non-sliprubber-like 20 to 80 durometer foot wear product, in combination, arubber-like matrix and a plurality of bendable irregular shaped aluminumpieces bonded therein, each of said aluminum pieces being of a dimensionof less than 3 inches in one direction and of a thickness greater thanone two hundred fifty-sixths of an inch and said aluminum pieces beingfrom 20 to 60 percent by volume of the total mass product.
 6. In anon-slip rubberlike 20 to 80 durometer foot wear product, incombination, a rubber-like matrix and a plurality of die-stampedirregular and different size and shape rigid aluminum pieces bondedtherein, each of said aluminum pieces being of a dimension of upwards of1 1/2 inches in any one direction and of a thickness from one twohundred fifty-sixths of an inch to three-eighths of an inch, and saidaluminum pieces being from 20 to 60 percent by volume of the total massproduct.